How to Get FSSAI Licence for Food Startups in India — Complete Guide 2026

If you are starting a food business in India, getting your FSSAI licence is not optional — it is a legal requirement. Whether you are launching a packaged snack, a beverage, a home-made food product, or a food delivery business, FSSAI registration is the first and most important compliance step.

At Food Craviq, we help food startups across India navigate the FSSAI registration process every day. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know — the types of licences, documents required, fees, timelines, and the most common mistakes to avoid.

Types of FSSAI Licences in India

There are three types of FSSAI registrations depending on your business size and turnover:

Type	Annual Turnover	Fee	Validity
Basic Registration	Below ₹12 Lakhs	₹100/year	1-5 years
State Licence	₹12 Lakhs – ₹20 Crores	₹2,000-₹5,000/year	1-5 years
Central Licence	Above ₹20 Crores	₹7,500/year	1-5 years

For most food startups and small businesses, a State FSSAI Licence is the most appropriate. If you are just starting out with a home-based food business or a very small operation, Basic Registration may be sufficient.

Documents Required for FSSAI Licence

The documents you need depend on the type of licence you are applying for. Here is a complete checklist:

For Basic FSSAI Registration

• Photo ID proof — Aadhaar card or PAN card
• Address proof of business premises
• Passport size photograph
• Business registration proof (if applicable)

For State FSSAI Licence

• Form B — filled and signed
• Blueprint or layout plan of the food processing unit
• List of food products to be manufactured
• Name and list of equipment and machinery used
• Photo ID and address proof of the proprietor/partners/directors
• Proof of possession of premises — rental agreement or ownership deed
• Partnership deed or certificate of incorporation
• Water testing report from a government lab (for manufacturing units)
• Medical fitness certificates of food handlers
• Source of raw material details

Step by Step FSSAI Registration Process

Step 1 — Determine the right licence type

Based on your expected annual turnover and the nature of your food business, decide whether you need Basic Registration, State Licence, or Central Licence. When in doubt, go for State Licence — it covers most food startups and gives you more flexibility to grow.

Step 2 — Register on the FoSCoS portal

Go to the official FSSAI portal at foscos.fssai.gov.in and create a new account. This is the only official government portal for FSSAI registration — avoid any third party websites that charge extra fees for the same service.

Step 3 — Fill in Form B

Complete Form B with accurate details about your food business — nature of business, address, food categories, and list of products. Incorrect information in Form B is one of the most common reasons for FSSAI application rejections.

Step 4 — Upload all documents

Upload all required documents in the correct format. Make sure all documents are clear, legible, and not expired. PDFs are preferred — keep each file under 2MB.

Step 5 — Pay the licence fee

Pay the applicable fee online through the FoSCoS portal. Keep the payment receipt safely — you will need it for future reference.

Step 6 — Inspection (for State and Central Licences)

After submitting your application, a food safety officer may visit your premises for inspection. Make sure your facility is clean, properly maintained, and that all your documents are readily available on the day of inspection.

Step 7 — Receive your FSSAI Licence

Once approved, your FSSAI licence will be issued digitally. Download it and display it prominently at your business premises — this is legally required.

How Long Does FSSAI Registration Take?

Processing times vary depending on the type of licence and the state:

• Basic Registration — 7 to 30 days
• State Licence — 30 to 60 days
• Central Licence — 30 to 60 days

Common Mistakes Food Startups Make with FSSAI

• Applying for the wrong licence type — always verify your turnover bracket first
• Uploading blurry or incorrect documents — leads to rejection and delays
• Not mentioning all food products in the application — you can only manufacture what is listed
• Starting production before getting the licence — this is illegal and can result in heavy fines
• Not renewing the licence on time — FSSAI licence must be renewed before expiry
• Using third party agents who charge 10x the actual government fee

FSSAI Compliance After Getting Your Licence

Getting the licence is just the beginning. As a food business operator you must also ensure ongoing FSSAI compliance including proper food labelling, maintaining hygiene standards, keeping records of raw material sources, and renewing your licence before it expires.

Food labelling in India must comply with FSSAI regulations — this includes nutritional information per 100g, ingredient list in descending order of weight, allergen declarations, best before date, and storage instructions.

How Food Craviq Can Help

Navigating FSSAI regulations can be confusing — especially for first-time food entrepreneurs. At Food Craviq, we provide complete FSSAI compliance support including licence application assistance, nutritional label design as per FSSAI regulations, product category classification, and food safety documentation.

We have helped food startups across Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and beyond get their FSSAI compliance right the first time — saving months of back-and-forth with the authorities.